In the 400m semifinal at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, Derek Redmond tore his hamstring and collapsed in pain. Determined to finish, he rose and began to try to finish the race. At this point, his father, Jim Redmond, ran down from the stands, pushed past security, and helped his son complete the lap. The crowd rose to cheer, not because Derek won the race, but because of the love that carried him across the line. The moment is a vivid picture of how our heavenly Father steps beside us in weakness, not to erase our struggle, but to see us through it. Renewal doesn’t promise perfect running; it promises a God who helps us finish (“This Week in Olympic History: 29 July-4 Aug, Derek Redmond’s Father Helps Injured Son Finish Race,” Olympics.com, https://www.olympics.com/en/news/this-week-in-olympic-history-29-july-aug-4-derek-redmond-s-father-helps-injured-son-finish-race).
